Stretching and its effect on the muscles is probably one of the most controversial areas in strength training, conditioning and rehabilitation. There is some evidence that stretching may aid in the prevention of injuries, but many muscle physiologists and skeptics have altering views on the subject. What we do know about stretching, is that it can significantly improve flexibility in a given period of time. One of the biggest myths about stretching is when to do it. Most people think they should stretch immediately prior to any sporting event or intense physical activity. However, this procedure can lead to decreased performance and even injury without proper blood circulation in the muscle. This mode of thought is the result of the most overlooked yet crucial aspect of most flexibility programs - the warm-up. A total warm-up program includes the following components: -- It begins with a general warm-up period which may consist of 5 to 8 minutes of slow jogging or riding a stationary bicycle. -- The next step is to begin mimicking (with minimal intensity) the sport of movement of the exercise to be performed. For example, if you are going to exercise the biceps using dumbells, simply do the same movement with your body weight (in this case, the arms) or with dumbells which are 50% lighter than your usual load. This maximizes circulation in the muscle group to be exercised. -- Finally, stretch the muscle by performing the opposite action from the warm-up movement in the previous step. Each stretch should be held statically for a period of at least 5-15 seconds. Flexibility is defined as the range of possible movement in a joint and its surrounding muscles; it may also be referred to as static flexibility. Dynamic flexibility refers to the resistance of a joint during movement. The ability to go through the full range of possible movement about a joint is called a range of motion (ROM). The structure of a joint typically determines the ROM. For example, the wrist, a joint of relatively low flexibility, has an ROM of 90 degrees flexion and 80 degrees extension. If an individual experiences a decrease in the ROM of a particular joint, stretching and flexiblity exercises can help restore the motion of the joint to its normal range. Stretching is a beneficial part of any exercise program, but it is most effective when taught with good form and by a qualified professional in ths area of conditioning. Check here for extensive information on stretching Can you really injure yourself while stretching? Yes. Too-vigorous stretching, stretching until it hurts, or holding the stretch too long is not recommended. Stretching should feel good. You should stretch to the point of mild discomfort, at most, and then ease up. What is static stretching? It's probably the safest kind. You stretch through a muscle's full range of movement until you feel resistance, but not pain, then hold the maximum position for 10 to 30 seconds, relax, and repeat several times. In static toe touches, for example, you slowly roll down, with knees bent, and hang in the down position without bouncing, then slowly roll up. What about stretching with a trainer or therapist? You and a trainer, or any partner, may do what's called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF, to push a muscle to a greater degree of flexibility. One type of PNF, called contract-relax stretching, involves contracting a muscle against resistance, usually provided by another person (see illustrations #6 and #7). You relax, then stretch while the partner or trainer pushes the muscle into a static stretch. You can also do PNF without a partner. What is active-isolated stretching? This technique, developed at the University of Illinois years ago as a physical therapy technique, is now being promoted by Jim and Phil Wharton, who have worked with Olympic athletes. You isolate one muscle at a time and stretch it by con-tracting the opposite muscle (see illustrations #3 and #9). You hold the stretch for only 1 or 2 seconds and repeat it up to 10 times. In addition, you can use a rope, your hands, or a partner to enhance the stretch. Will stretching prevent injury? There is no hard evidence that it does. Runners who never stretch before running are no more prone to injury than those who stretch, according to some research. But, in theory, stretching should protect against injury, and many athletes believe it does. Whatever the answer, cold muscles are more likely to tear than warm ones. Warming up before stretching may prevent stretching injuries, and stretching itself may help prevent injuries while exercising. Stretching after exercising cannot head off muscle soreness if you've overdone things. However, it does promote flexibility and, as we've said, it feels good. Does stretching have mental benefits? It may benefit your mind as well as your body. When done in a slow and focused manner, an extended stretching routine is an excellent relaxation method and stress reducer (just as yoga and tai chi are). Stretching can help tense people reduce anxiety and muscle tension, as well as lower blood pressure and breathing rate. A good stretching-and-breathing routine can be as effective as any other means of relaxation. Warm up first, then stretch Stretching should always be preceded by a brief (5- to 10-minute) warm-up, such as jogging in place, moderately energetic walking, riding a stationary bicycle, or doing less-vigorous rehearsals of the sport or exercise you're about to perform. Warming up gradually increases your heart rate and blood flow and raises the temperature of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Stretching while muscles are cold may injure muscles. Sudden exertion without a warm-up can lead to abnormal heart rate and blood flow and changes in blood pressure, which can be dangerous, especially for older exercisers. Tips for stretching • Stretch at least three times a week to maintain flexibility. • A session should last 10 to 20 minutes, with each static stretch held at least 10 seconds (working up to 20 to 30 seconds) and usually repeated about four times. Some trainers believe that stretches should be held for one to two minutes, but this is controversial. • Stretch before exercising or playing a sport to improve performance and perhaps prevent injury. • Besides a general stretch of major muscle groups, stretch the specific muscles required for your sport or activity. • Do not stretch until it hurts. If there's any pain, stop. • Don't bounce. Stretching should be gradual and relaxed. • Focus on the muscle groups you want to stretch. • Try to stretch opposing muscles in both your arms and legs. Include static stretches plus PNF or active-isolated stretching. • Don't hold your breath during a stretch. • Stretch after exercising to prevent muscles from tightening up. Check here for extensive information on stretching The Basic Stretching Session 1 NECK STRETCH Tilt head to right, keeping shoulders down. Place right hand on left side of head. Gently pull head toward right shoulder and hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat. 2 CALF STRETCH (for gastrocnemius and soleus muscles). Stand 2 to 3 feet from a wall, with feet perpendicular to wall in the position shown, and lean against wall for 10 to 30 seconds. Keep feet parallel to each other; make sure rear heel stays on floor. Switch legs and repeat. Variation: keep rear knee slightly bent during stretch.   3 SPINAL STRETCH Sit in a chair with your back straight, feet firmly on floor, toes pointing up slightly. Lock hands behind head, with elbows out and chin down. Contract abdominal muscles. To loosen up, twist upper body to one side as far as you can, then repeat 4 times in the same direction. The last time, rotate, hold, and then flex your torso forward, leaning toward floor with elbow. Hold for 2 seconds. Return to upright position. Repeat 8 to 10 times. Do same routine on other side. 4 OUTER THIGH STRETCH (for iliotibial band). Placing left hand against wall for balance, place left foot behind and beyond right foot. Bend left ankle and lean into wall. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds, then switch and repeat. 5 HIP STRETCH (for hip flexor). From a kneeling position, bring right foot forward until knee is directly over ankle; keep right foot straight. Rest left knee on floor behind you. Leaning into front knee, lower pelvis and front of left hip toward floor to create an easy stretch. Hold for 10 to 30seconds, then switch legs and repeat. 6 BUTTERFLY STRETCH (for adductor muscles in groin). Sit on floor, bringing heels together near groin and holding feet together by the ankles. Have a partner gently push your knees down; hold for 5 seconds. Try to bring your knees upward as partner provides resistance. Relax, then have partner gently push down again for a greater stretch. Repeat. You can do the first part without a partner, simply by lowering your knees as far as possible. 7 THIGH STRETCH (for quadriceps, in front of thigh). Lie on stomach. Have a partner grasp your lower leg and bend it until you feel the stretch on front of thigh. While partner provides resistance, try to push leg back for 3 to 5 seconds. Relax while partner bends your leg again until you feel a stretch again. Switch legs. 8 CROSSOVER STRETCH (for lower back). Lying on back, bend left knee at 90° and extend arms out to sides. Place right hand on left thigh and pull that bent knee over right leg. Keeping head on floor, turn to look toward outstretched left arm. Pull bent left knee toward floor; keep shoulders flat on floor. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat. 9 THIGH STRETCH (for hamstrings, in back of thigh). Lie on back. Place a rope loosely around sole of one foot, grasping both ends with both hands. Contracting front of thigh, lift that leg as high as possible, aiming your foot toward ceiling. "Climb" hand over hand up the looped rope to lift your leg gently, keeping upper body on floor. Keeping tension on the rope and using it for gentle assistance, hold stretch for 2 seconds. Don't pull your leg into position—that can cause knee problems. Repeat 8 to 10 times, then switch legs. 10 LUMBAR STRETCH (for lower back). Lying on back, clasp one hand under each knee. Gently pull both knees toward chest, keeping lower back on floor. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds, relax, then repeat.